There is a quiet shift occurring in the way many people explore the world: More and more are opting to slow down and travel with greater intentionality. Slow travel invites you to discover destinations at a gentler pace, to choose depth over speed, connection over checklists, and meaningful experiences over whirlwind itineraries. By staying longer in each place, you gain the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and open the door to those spontaneous moments that make travel truly memorable.
Here’s how you can make this year your year to embrace slow travel. As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
How to Plan a Slow Travel Experience
Planning a slow travel journey begins with choosing a single home base for several days, a week, or more. Aim for a loose itinerary that covers your must-do activities and leave the rest open for spontaneous discovery. Cultural engagement is at the heart of slow travel, so look out for community events or festivals, visit local markets, and sign up for craft workshops or language classes. Most importantly, leave time to wander while soaking in the atmosphere.
Using the Marriott Bonvoy App, you can filter your search results to show only properties with extended-stay options, which often feature extra amenities that allow you to get comfy in your home away from home. That might mean a kitchenette, so you can transform your morning farmers-market haul into a leisurely lunch, and separate living and sleeping areas so you can spread out. Look for longer-stay savings on the Marriott Bonvoy website — and remember to add your member number to each booking to earn free nights to stretch your trip further. If you are looking for more space or traveling with a larger group of people, search for a home or villa in your desired destination. Slow travel is less about packing as much as possible into a few frantic days and more about falling into the natural rhythm of a place and letting yourself become part of it. Here are just a few destinations that lend themselves particularly well to this style of travel.
Top Destinations for Slow Travel in 2026
Savannah, Georgia
Time seems to unspool in “Slowvannah,” where squares filled with Spanish-moss-draped live oaks invite lingering. Dripping in history and Southern charm, Savannah more than lives up to its other nickname, “Hostess City,” as well. After strolling around the Southern Gothic downtown, head to the beaches of Tybee Island, located just a short drive away.
Downtown’s all-suite The Ann Savannah, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy is designed to make you feel at home. Loft-style studios and suites, generously sized with high ceilings, are furnished with full kitchens, plus washers and dryers. Outside your door, the outdoor pool awaits, as does Little James, an all-day eatery where morning coffee transitions to evening cocktails.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s blend of Taíno, African, and European cultures has created a rich tapestry that rewards taking your time. Slow down and you’ll experience the island with all of your senses. There’s the warmth of the sun on your skin, the smell of freshly roasted coffee, and the feeling of sand between your toes, all mixed with the colors of Old San Juan, sounds of coquí frogs, and sweet taste of rum.Isla Verde, a laid-back beach area just minutes from the airport and big-city attractions of San Juan, is the perfect place to park yourself for slow travel in Puerto Rico. From there, you can easily book tours or drive yourself to other parts of the island, from El Yunque National Forest to the bioluminescent bay of Laguna Grande to the coffee plantations of the interior. After a day of exploring, Casa Costera, Isla Verde Beach, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, just steps from the sand, offers all the comforts of home — if home had an infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Istanbul
With a history that spans millennia and a location that straddles two continents, Istanbul is a city that cannot be rushed. This is a place that rewards slow wandering to Byzantine churches, Ottoman palaces, lively markets, and serene waterfront spots. Allow your curiosity to lead you through atmospheric neighborhoods along the Bosphorus. Then relax like a local at a hammam.Outside of Istanbul’s urban centers but easily accessible from most points of interest, Marriott Executive Apartments Istanbul Tema World offers a quiet alternative to the urban bustle and a spacious, comfortable home base to settle into for days or even weeks.
Johannesburg
Many travelers rush through Johannesburg on their way to South Africa’s game reserves and national parks. As impressive as the local wildlife may be, this vibrant cultural hub is just as compelling. You could easily spend days exploring the city’s diverse neighborhoods, from Maboneng and Braamfontein’s buzzy creative scenes to Soweto’s historical roots. The hometown of Nelson Mandela is also a place that demands making time for contemplation, whether by immersing yourself in history at the Apartheid Museum or visiting Constitution Hill to learn about South Africa’s path to democracy. Tucked into a leafy city within the city and surrounded by restaurants, cafés, and stores, Marriott Executive Apartments Johannesburg, Melrose Arch is a safe, walkable hub for relaxed exploration.
Bangkok
Life moves fast in busy Bangkok. It would be impossible to see everything in a couple of days, so stay a while and let yourself get carried away by the city’s boundless energy. Rather than rushing between attractions, allow yourself the time to take in the details of Wat Pho and Wat Arun. Swap the well-beaten path for lesser-known roads like Song Wat, where artist galleries and designer stores breathe new life into century-old buildings, and cool off on a slow boat ride down the Chao Phraya River.
After a day of taking in Bangkok’s historic temples, head back to Sukhumvit Road, one of the central arteries of the contemporary city. Marriott Executive Apartments Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok is conveniently located on a quiet soi (side street) near the BTS Skytrain Phrom Phong station and close to some of the hottest restaurants, bars, and shops in town. Guests will find a peaceful haven where extensive facilities include a pool, rooftop golf practice, and badminton, tennis, and squash courts.
Morocco
From the Atlas Mountains to the Atlantic, the Sahara to the souks of Marrakesh, Morocco’s diversity deserves immersion over simply checking attractions off a list. The vast size of the country practically demands extended time. Beyond the landscapes, it’s the Moroccan people and their strong culture of hospitality who make slow travel worthwhile. Linger awhile and strike up a conversation in a sidewalk café, or sweat it out in a hammam — a social as much as a wellness space — and allow for spontaneity by staying a little longer in each city.
Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy in Morocco are scattered around the country, offering a home-away-from-home experience in traditional riads, palatial villas, and city apartments.
Greece
A nation steeped in storytelling, Greece invites travelers to sit down and listen while modern-day bards tell their tales. The lifestyle here encourages an unhurried, attentive pace and immersion in local communities. Moreover, it’s a country of islands, where languid ferry rides force you to slow down and adapt to the local rhythm — and why hurry? Greece’s ancient ruins have weathered millennia and likely aren’t going anywhere soon.
With everything from villas set on the Mediterranean Sea to an Athens apartment overlooking the Acropolis, Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy in Greece makes traveling, and lingering, a breeze.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Slow Travel Stay
- Pack light but intentionally: Check on your property’s website to see if laundry service is available.
- Use the Marriott Bonvoy App to chat with staff and get their insider tips on the local area.
- Book cultural tours and activities through Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities online or on the app and earn points for each experience.
- Remember to slow down and not overload your days.
- Use local review sites to discover delicious local restaurants, cozy cafes, parks and other experiences.
Related Articles
